Report of the organ transplant panel. Corneal transplantation. Council on Scientific Affairs.

Corneal transplantation is the most common form of organ transplantation practiced in the United States. Two procedures for transplantation are utilized. Penetrating keratoplasty is used in about 90% of the cases, with lamellar keratoplasty being utilized in the remaining situations. Demand for corneal transplantation exceeds the available supply of corneas. Advances in procurement and preservation must continue to meet this demand. Finally, these procedures are not without complications, and these are discussed to provide a clear risk-benefit analysis.